Biswas said the followers of Netaji have all along demanded that January 23 be declared as 'Desh Prem Divas' as a perfect way to recall the great sacrifice of Netaji.

But by giving "lame and untenable excuses" the government is refusing to accept the popular demand.

The statement said when the AIFB approached the government, the ministry of culture replied that many eminent personalities took part in India's freedom struggle and contributions made by them cannot be judged relatively.

It quoted the ministry as saying: "It does not appear to be appropriate to declare Jan 23, birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as Desh Prem Divas."

Said Biswas: "It is nothing but an insult to Netaji. If Mahatma Gandhi is the 'Father of our Nation', then Netaji is the 'Revolutionary hero of India'."